Shanghai, Zhejiang steps up electrical collaboration

Collaboration between Shanghai and Zhejiang province is stepping up to better meet the soaring charging demand of new energy vehicles during the five-day-long May Day holiday, according to State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Co.

According to estimates, during the holiday that starts from May 1 to May 5, the daily average number of charges and the amount of electricity charged at the service areas of Shanghai's Fengjing and Zhejiang's Jiaxing along the G60 Shanghai-Kunming Expressway both will exceed 1,000 vehicles, about 10 times that of usual.

"About 48 kilometers apart, it takes about 28 minutes to drive between the two service areas. This is the first time we join hands with Jiaxing partners to integrate our charging resources to meet the requirements during the peak travel period," said Wang Lihui, head of marketing with State Grid Shanghai Jinshan. 

In the two service areas, real-time charging data is fully displayed to new energy vehicle owners, allowing them to make better charging plans accordingly. Around-the-clock service would be offered to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of charging services.

In order to make sure the smooth operation of the more than 60 key charging stations located in Shanghai's expressway service areas and scenic spots during the holiday period, the State Grid Shanghai conducted inspections on the more than 1,000 units of equipment at the charging stations a week in advance, and will dynamically increase a team of more than 400 staff members on standby, offering maintenance services during the holiday period.